Ten Hag: Maguire played a massive game

It looked as though Maguire may have to be substituted during the opening minute of the game following a clash of heads with Cottagers’ forward Rodrigo Muniz.

The England international was tended to by the United physios and deemed fit to continue, while he was also treated for a hand injury during the second half of the game.

Harry fought through the physical issues and bolstered the United rearguard as we kept Fulham at bay during a tough second period, prior to Bruno Fernandes’s late winner.

“He was playing a massive, massive game. A very good performance,” Ten Hag told reporters in his press conference at Craven Cottage.

“He showed leadership and in and out of possession he was very good, so I’m very pleased with that performance from Harry.”

Ten Hag admitted that the Reds were not at our best in the final third and he wants to see more quality on that front going forward.

But the Dutchman couldn’t fault his side for the workrate and spirit they showed in carrying out his plan to harry Marco Silva's men when they had the ball in defensive areas – something we saw in the build-up to Bruno’s decisive effort.

“I think from the back we played decent, we played solid but as I say I think in the final third we have to improve our quality,” he added.

“Every game we have to win. I think it was a solid performance, so I am pleased with it. I am pleased especially with the spirit of the team. I was pleased with the way we pressed.

“Fulham, I think they play very decent football from the back but we never allowed them to play from the back. We were very good in the pressing and winning second balls.

“Also the ball progression, it’s clear that when we came in the box we have to create more but I think in terms of composure on the ball it was a step up.”